Latham Picks Up Patent Litigator From Paul Hastings

Gotts focuses his practice on patent litigation, with a particular emphasis on patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright matters. He has represented clients in federal trial courts across the country and also before the International Trade Commission, the Court of Federal Claims, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

In a statement, Gotts said, “Latham’s global platform, resources and strength across the spectrum of intellectual property litigation are very attractive qualities for me. The firm’s geographic breadth, depth of talent in its intellectual property practice and large litigation group position the firm well to respond to the complex, cross-border patent disputes that arise as the business and legal marketplaces continue to globalize.”

Max Grant, co-chair of Latham’s global intellectual property practice, said he was the one who reached out to Gotts after identifying him as someone who would "be a great addition to our practice. Grant said the firm has been working to beef up its IP litigation practice, particularly on the patent side, duringhte past two years.

"We're thrilled he decided to join us," Grant said.

Eric Bernthal, managing partner of Latham's Washington office, said the firm has been aggressively going after laterals in recent months because "we want to be one of the top global firms in the world regardless of what practicee we're talking about."

Bernthal said IP litigation is becoming an increasing part of what clients hire Latham to handle.

The addition of Gotts comes on the same day that news broke that Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy, which rarely enters the U.S. lateral market, picked up five Latham & Watkins finance partners, including the co-chair of Latham's banking practice group. The New York Law Journal has more on that move here.